Field Researcher IV

Position Details

Position Information

Recruitment/Posting Title	Field Researcher IV
Job Category	Staff & Executive - Research (Laboratory/Non-Laboratory)
Department	SEBS-Plant Biology
Overview	The School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, located on the George H. Cook Campus, is one of the largest schools of Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey. We pursue excellence in research, teaching, and outreach in areas of study that address the biological spectrum from molecules to ecosystems. Our emphasis is on both the fundamental sciences and the social and human dimensions. We offer 21 undergraduate majors, including plant and animal sciences, microbiology, biotechnology, agriculture and food systems, landscape architecture, food and nutritional sciences, ecology and evolution, marine science and oceanography, environmental sciences and meteorology, human ecology, entomology, and environmental economics. In addition to instruction in the classroom, field, and laboratory, our students have opportunities for experiential learning on and off campus, including a growing emphasis on international experiences through short- and long-term study abroad. Students also have access to a robust program of applied research and outreach hosted by the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station laboratories, farms, business incubators, and marine stations throughout the state.
Posting Summary	Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey is seeking a Field Researcher IV for the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences. The qualified candidate, under the guidance and direction of the faculty leader, and field research supervisor, will join a highly productive, efficient inclusive team dedicated to running one of the largest turfgrass breeding programs in the world. The successful candidate will be involved with training and supervising hourly employees and students and carrying out a variety of field, greenhouse, laboratory, and data processing duties (described below) required to operate a highly efficient turfgrass breeding program. Among the key duties of the position are the following: Implements, establishes, propagates, and maintains greenhouse/growth chamber/ laboratory experiments including field experiments of turf plots, spaced-plant nurseries, breeder blocks, and tiller plots. Responsibility (with other senior technicians and farm staff) for implementing weed and pest control, fertilization, irrigation, mowing schedules and other maintenance requirements. Supervises, trains, and assigns duties to hourly and student employees to facilitate an efficient and productive breeding program. Participates in the requisition of supplies, fertilizers, lime, pesticides, laboratory chemicals, and other supplies for the project. Participates in the coordination and organization of the effective evaluation of all turf plots, spaced-plant nurseries and other research trials. Organizes, analyzes, summarizes, and prepares data for publication annually, using excel, SAS or R and cloud based databases. Coordinates, organizes and participates in seed harvesting, processing and export and import procedures. Participates in field days, conferences, demonstrations, literature searches, visitor tours, and other duties as requested. Corresponds through email and other means, with industry partners and coordinate the transport of germplasm to them.
Position Status	Full Time
Hours Per Week
Daily Work Shift	Day
Work Arrangement	This position requires a fully on-site work arrangement.
FLSA	Nonexempt
Grade	03
Position Salary	$50,435 - $55,889
Annual Minimum Salary	50435.000
Annual Mid Range Salary	63836.500
Annual Maximum Salary	77238.000
Standard Hours	37.50
Union Description	Admin Assembly (MPSC)
Payroll Designation	PeopleSoft
Benefits	Rutgers offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees. For details, please go to http://uhr.rutgers.edu/benefits/benefits-overview .
Seniority Unit
Terms of Appointment	Staff - 12 month
Position Pension Eligibility	ABP

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience	Requires a bachelor’s degree preferably in Agronomy, Horticulture or Plant Science or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience. Requires experience working with plants in the field, laboratory and/or greenhouse.
Certifications/Licenses	Will be required to obtain a valid NJ DEP Pesticide Applicator’s License (Category 3B) and a New Jersey PROFACT Fertilization Certificate. Requires a valid drivers license and two years driving experience. Must successfully complete the Rutgers Defensive Driving Course.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities	Must be able to properly identify the turfgrass species evaluated in the breeding projects, turfgrass pathogens and stresses attacking turfgrasses, and successful control strategies to alleviate stresses. Must be organized, flexible, and capable of carrying out several tasks or projects at the same time and have the ability to reorganize tasks depending on weather, labor schedules, and other resources. Must have good written and oral communication skills. Must have experience in proper experimental design and use of SAS software for experimental data analysis. Must have knowledge of basic laboratory equipment and practices including sterile techniques, and pathogen isolation. Must be very familiar and have experience with computer programs such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint as well as cloud-based data storage software.
Preferred Qualifications	Knowledge of plant breeding, plant genetics, plant pathology, remote sensing, high through-put phenotyping, entomology, soil science, weed science, advanced statistics, molecular biology, and plant genetics is also preferred.
Equipment Utilized	Must have familiarity with farm/turf equipment utilized in turfgrass research.
Physical Demands and Work Environment	Must be able to lift 80 lbs. and endure strenuous activities in frequently adverse conditions.
Special Conditions

Posting Details

Posting Number	24ST0588
Posting Open Date	03/11/2024
Special Instructions to Applicants
Regional Campus	Rutgers University-New Brunswick
Home Location Campus	Cook (RU-New Brunswick)
City	Freehold
State	NJ
Location Details

Pre-employment Screenings

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Immunization Requirements

Under Policy 60.1.35 Immunization Policy for Rutgers Employees and Prospective Employees , Rutgers University requires all prospective employees to provide proof that they are vaccinated against COVID-19 prior to commencement of employment, unless the University has granted the individual a medical or religious exemption. Rutgers University may require certain prospective employees to receive an updated (bivalent) vaccine dose. Under Policy 100.3.1 Immunization Policy for Covered Individuals , if employment will commence during Flu Season, Rutgers University may require certain prospective employees to provide proof that they are vaccinated against Seasonal Influenza for the current Flu Season, unless the University has granted the individual a medical or religious exemption. Additional infection control and safety policies may apply. Prospective employees should speak with their hiring manager to determine which policies apply to the role or position for which they are applying. Failure to provide proof of vaccination for any required vaccines or obtain a medical or religious exemption from the University will result in rescission of a candidate’s offer of employment or disciplinary action up to and including termination.

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